Kohl's opens new stores, creates nearly 3,000 jobs

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. (AP) - Kohl's Corp. is opening 21 new stores, creating almost 3,000 jobs in 15 states.

The openings come at a time when the U.S. unemployment level remains high and shoppers worried about dismal economic conditions continue to seek out the low-priced clothing and home items that stores such as Kohl's offer.

The announcement comes a day after rival J.C. Penney Co. said it would open three new stores next year as part of a long-term plan to boost sales and reach more middle-income shoppers.

Kohl's new stores are located in Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

The retailer also said Wednesday that it opened a customer service and operations center in San Antonio that will serve its credit card and online customers. The facility has hired about 200 workers and plans to add more than 1,000 jobs over the next three years.

Kohl's has two other customer service and operations centers in Corsicana, Texas and Menomonee Falls, Wis.

Aside from the new stores, Kohl's is remodeling 85 existing locations.

Earlier this month the company based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., reported a key revenue figure climbed 4.5 percent in August on strong sales of its home and men's merchandise and footwear.

Kohl's now has 1,089 stores in 49 states.